The Pentagon has confirmed plans to lift the longstanding military ban on women in combat. The move will overturn a 1994 rule that formally barred women from taking on front-line roles, although in reality thousands of women have still fought. In being officially allowed to serve in combat roles, women will be afforded opportunities for medals of recognition as well as for advancement to positions they have been unable to pursue. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta reportedly came to the decision based on a recommendation from the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who wrote: “The time has come … to eliminate all unnecessary gender-based barriers to service.” A formal announcement is expected today.